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LEGAL BRIEF
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AUGUST 2024 FriedmanSimon.com
August always reminds me of being back home in Greece, spending time with my family, and enjoying the slower pace of island life. My family comes from a little island in Greece called Chios, where as a child I would spend two months almost every summer during July and August. GREEK SUMMERS AND FAMILY CONNECTIONS THE IMPORTANCE OF QUALITY TIME AND TRADITIONS
important to take a step back from the busy- ness of life and decompress.
New York area this time of year, so I will make sure to make the best of my evenings and weekends with my wife. Back to the theme of the article, spending quality time with family is so huge. We work so hard all year, including summer, putting in heavy hours at work and trying our best for clients and coworkers. You can easily get lost in the cycle of the day. It’s essential to set time aside. Whether it’s as simple as family coming together for dinner or a big family vacation, what’s most important is being engaged in the moment with your loved ones. As a kid, we always had dinner together as a family. We sat together with no TV allowed and caught up with each other, sharing stories from school or work, a tradition I hope to pass on in the future. August is a great time to reflect and recharge before what is typically a busy fall season ahead. While some people start to dread the coming of fall as August rolls on, I like to look on the positive side and soak up the beauty of the end of the summer while preparing for what is to come. Having family as an outlet and support system in your life is so vital. It is even more vital when recovering from accident-related injuries as our clients are, hopefully the warmth of summer and family this August helps in the recovery process. As for me, while part of me is mentally on a beach in Chios this August, I’ll be here at Friedman & Simon working to help
As most of you know, I got married this March, and my wife and I enjoyed a honeymoon in Argentina after the wedding. We are taking this summer off from Greece as a result, a fair trade, but we are both anxious to return. I first took my wife to Chios two summers ago for a surprise visit to my family. It was a short trip, and she asked, “How could you take me to such a beautiful place for only four days!?” So, last year, we returned for two weeks to have more of a full experience with family and friends. Island life involves family, beach, relaxation, friends … rinse and repeat. This year I may be home in New York working hard for our clients, but mentally, a
I love the island weather and the beaches — it is my happy place — about 80 or 90 degrees of sunshine without the humidity we usually receive here in a New York Summer, plus the cleanest, calmest beaches you can even try to imagine. I look forward to the laid-back
part of me will always be in Chios every August (my parents are making sure to send daily photographs from their trip just in case I forget). In Greece, there is a large holiday the whole country celebrates in honor of the Virgin Mary on August
Greek summer schedule and the beautiful traditions that happen every summer on the island. Most of all, this is a time I always cherished because I received extra hours with the people I love. In recent summers, while I can’t go for two full months like when I was a child, I still try to get back for a week or two.
15th. Businesses close during the day as most people leave the cities and go back home to their smaller villages, where a unique feast is usually set up in village squares around the country for a night full of music, dancing, and food, with the party usually continuing until the late morning or even early afternoon of the next day — a beautiful August tradition. Even though I won’t be on the beach in Greece this summer for daily family lunches, beach afternoons, town square evenings, and village dances, the weather here is still beautiful, and there is plenty to enjoy in the
ease the burden of our clients struggling after their injuries.
August is Family Fun Month, a perfect opportunity to reflect on your favorite
-John G. Papadopoulos
family memories and the value of this time. From my childhood memories of my family summers in Chios, to my current summer evenings after work relaxing with my wife, it’s
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When you’ve been in a car crash, healing from your injuries can be challenging when it appears the insurance policy of the at-fault vehicle is a small one. With costs piling up, the idea of a small settlement can feel like another blow on your path to recovery. But, sometimes, things aren’t quite what they seem, and there may be an avenue for you to recover more than you think. One of our recent clients was a passenger involved in a two-car accident that left her dealing with painful injuries in both her knees. We were informed that the driver of the at-fault vehicle only had the minimum insurance of $25,000. We were litigating to attempt to hold the other vehicle partially responsible, but it appeared we might be limited to $25,000 only for the client. Our client was in extreme pain and wound up needing four surgeries in total after the accident. She tried arthroscopic surgeries in both of her knees, which failed, leading her to go in for bilateral knee replacement surgeries. During the deposition of the at-fault driver, he explained that he was delivering wines for a big company using his personal vehicle that day. We used that information to contact the wine company, whose insurance company thereafter accepted the claim. Unlike the driver, who personally insured his vehicle for the minimum of $25,000, the wine company was insured for $1 million. OUR CLIENT’S JOURNEY FROM DESPAIR TO EXCELLENT SETTLEMENT When Minimum Insurance Isn’t Enough
Have you ever heard about the teenager who decided to clean the ocean? Meet Boyan Slat, the eco-warrior who founded The Ocean Cleanup at 18. His story of innovation and determination shows how one big idea can make waves worldwide. Boyan’s journey began unexpectedly at 16 during a scuba diving trip in Greece. Instead of marveling at exotic marine life, he was shocked to find more plastic floating around than fish. This unsettling experience sparked a burning question in his young mind: “Why don’t we just clean it up?” That question didn’t disappear with the ocean currents; it followed him home to Delft, the Netherlands, and propelled him into action. Turning his curiosity into a high school science project, Boyan faced countless reasons why cleaning the ocean was “impossible.” Not satisfied with just understanding the problem, he started experimenting with solutions. He envisioned a passive system that would use the ocean currents to gather plastic on its own — essentially, setting a trap for the plastic to come to him rather than chasing after it. After presenting his initial ideas at a conference in 2012 and barely scratching the surface of his aerospace engineering studies at TU Delft, Boyan decided to go further. With just 300 euros of savings and a sea of passion, he founded The Ocean Cleanup and dropped out of school. The big break came when his video talk went viral overnight, raised $90,000 through crowdfunding, and recruited a motivated team. By April 2013, Boyan launched his first Indiegogo campaign with a spirit that matched the ocean’s vastness: “I don’t know if it’s possible, and that’s exactly the reason I’m doing it.” Fast-forward to 2023, and The Ocean Cleanup has removed an astonishing 5.4 million pounds of trash from the ocean and even turned some of that recovered plastic into 25,000 pairs of sunglasses! So, next time you think you’re too young or your ideas are too ambitious, just remember Boyan Slat and his ocean-cleaning dream. It’s a reminder that sometimes, you just need to set a wide net to catch a big dream. And who knows? You might just clean up a whole ocean along the way. Teen Turns the Tide on Ocean Trash Boyan Slat’s Inspiring Journey to Clean Our Seas
The case went from a $25,000 case to a case we were able to settle for a substantial sum thanks in large part to the information which we acted on after the deposition. Our client was ecstatic, and after everything she went through with her knee injuries, we’re proud we uncovered a pathway to the money she deserved. Even if you believe coverage might not be available after an injury, you never know what could happen during a case. Here at Friedman & Simon, we are creative and will help unturn every stone possible and try every avenue to help our client’s recover for their injuries. If you have been hurt in an accident, contact us today.
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Start the School Year Right! TRANSFORM BACK-TO-SCHOOL
DECORATE THE WORKSPACE PARTY Another fun tradition is to have a “Decorate the Workspace Party.” Before school starts, set aside a day to organize and decorate where your child will do their homework. Let them choose new items to personalize the space, such as colorful organizers, fun pens, or decorations. This gives them a sense of control and pride over their study area, which can be incredibly motivating. BACK-TO-SCHOOL BREAKFAST On the first day of school, wake up early and prepare a special breakfast. Pancakes, waffles, or even a DIY breakfast sundae bar can start the day on a high note. You can make this an annual tradition where the kids decide the menu, giving them something exciting to wake up to on a potentially nerve-wracking morning. Starting back-to-school traditions can transform the end-of-summer blues into anticipation and excitement. It’s about building joy and making memories your children will carry with them long after the school year begins.
BLUES WITH CREATIVE SUMMER TRADITIONS
As summer’s lazy, hazy days begin to wane, the buzz of back-to-school preparations starts to fill the air. This can be a bittersweet time for kids and parents alike — excitement mixed with a touch of end-of-summer blues. To make this transition smoother and even fun, why not start a back-to-school tradition? These rituals can set a positive tone for the upcoming school year and create lasting memories for you and your children. THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL COUNTDOWN CALENDAR Who says advent calendars are only for December? Create a back-to-school countdown calendar that builds excitement as the first day of school approaches. You
can fill it with small treats, inspirational quotes, or fun school supplies. Each day, your child can open a new compartment, counting down the days with a bit of surprise, making the impending school year feel like a celebration rather than a chore. SHOPPING EXTRAVAGANZA DAY Make back-to-school shopping a special event rather than a stressful errand. Dedicate a day to shop for school supplies and clothes, but do it with a twist. Perhaps end the day with a favorite meal or treat, or let your children choose a special new outfit or backpack. This makes the shopping trip more exciting and gives children something to look forward to using in the new school year!
SUDOKU
Sweet Potato and Avocado Salad Inspired by MinimalistBaker.com
This simple vegan salad is flavorful and filling, featuring a delicious tahini-maple dressing.
Ingredients • 1 sweet potato sliced into 1/4- inch rounds • 1 tbsp avocado oil
• 1 pinch of sea salt • Water, to desired consistency
Salad • 5 cups of greens (spinach or lettuce) • 1 ripe avocado, cubed • 2 tbsp hemp seeds (optional)
Dressing • 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 tbsp lemon juice • 1 tbsp maple syrup
1. Preheat the oven to 375 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Add sweet potato slices and toss in oil. 2. Bake for 15 minutes and flip. Bake for another 5–10 minutes and remove from the oven. 3. In a small bowl, mix tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, and salt. Whisk to combine and slowly add water until the dressing is semi-thick and pourable. 4. In a serving bowl, add greens and top with sweet potato, avocado, and hemp seeds. Serve with dressing. Directions
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516-800-8000 FriedmanSimon.com
390 N. Broadway, #210 Jericho, NY 11753
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 2
A Tribute to Kea Island’s Traditions How One Teenager’s Idea Sparked a Global Cleanup Movement How We Found the Money Our Client Deserved Liven Up Back-to-School Prep With Fun Rituals Sweet Potato and Avocado Salad Meet Moose, the Great Pyrenees With a Hero’s Heart
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A FLUFFY GUARDIAN ANGEL HOW A DOG SAVED ITS FOSTER FAMILY FROM DISASTER
When a Virginia family of five decided to temporarily foster a dog in 2023, they weren’t expecting it to be a life-changing event. But they might not be here today if it weren’t for the Great Pyrenees named Moose that they took home for the weekend.
wanted to go outside, he was persistent, and they quickly noticed a neighboring houseboat engulfed in flames. As the fire began to spread, the family evacuated safely just minutes before the fire reached their boat. “If Moose hadn’t gotten Anya and Chris up, we would not be here, as we were all sound asleep, and the fire spread very quickly,” Sheila said. The family lost their houseboat and everything inside, but thanks to Moose’s heroic act, they are alive and grateful today.
Christopher Cushna and his partner, Sheila Janes, were looking for something fun and unique to do with their three children when they learned about the Paws Around Portsmouth program. This program allows people to foster dogs from the local Humane Society for a short time. They fell in love with big, fluffy Moose and decided to take him on a field trip around town. The friendly dog accompanied them to a farmers market, a community band concert, and a flea market, where they met a woman who wanted to adopt him. Moose returned to the family’s houseboat for the evening since the adopter could not bring him home that day. As everyone slept, Moose suddenly woke Christopher and one of their daughters, Anya. Though everyone figured the energetic dog
“What I like to think about is that we saved Moose from the situation Moose was in, and Moose saved us on the boat,” Christopher said. Moose’s life-saving actions made big news, and a local woman adopted him. Now, the hero dog is living his best life on a 5-acre farm, complete with a swimming pool. For this family, who had no idea just how transformative a doggy day out could be, Moose will always be their knight in fluffy armor.
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